Jessup Cup 2006

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"When one is immersed in his own law, in his own country, unable to see things from without, he has a psychologically unavoidable tendency to consider as natural, as necessary, as given by God, things which are simply due to historical accident or temporary social situation."

— Pierre Lepaulle

Law students from more than 500 schools across 90 countries were gathered last week in Washington, DC to compete for the Jessup Cup. This year's competition problem dealt with the issues of state and corporate responsibility and the rights and preservation of indigeneous peoples in a world that grows smaller every day. The annual tournament brings together students, practitioners, and academics, creating a fraternity of legal professionals and allowing them to share an invaluable academic exchange and cultural dialogue.


This has been an incredible opportunity to see in action the importance of the rule of law in the peaceful resolution of disputes. As clichéd as that may sound, the experience of meeting law students and professionals from around the world who share the same passion and commitment has indeed been reassuring and quite inspiring. It is all too easy to be cynical about the development of international "law" given the current state of affairs in the world; but though the wheels of justice grind slowly, this experience has demonstrated that there is no shortage of people committed to the enterprise. If there is one experience I can be proud of, it is that I can take part in this community dedicated to the mission of global justice.

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